Acylation,cyanoethylation and alkylation of methyl and phenyl indolylmagnesium salts: Influence of the substituents on the c- and N-reaction products

Analysis of the influence of the substitution on indolylmagnesium salts in the reaction with benzoyl chlo ride, acrylonitrile and methyl iodide, giving the C- and N-derivatives, have been carried out. The yield in the C- and N-product depends upon the electronic character and position of the substituent (methyl or phenyl) on the indole ring and of the ethereal solvent as well as the concentration and molar ratio of the reagents. The 2- or 3-phenyl substituted indolylmagnesium salts with acrylonitrile always gave the 1-(2-cyanoethyl)indole derivative.